Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust means for detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to nearly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent volume of body hair can be obtained. In terms of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages of processing a drug test result in a lab setting are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This involves checking if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be acceptable in court. Any samples that appear positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for preparation in Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo a wash prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vermilion, IL
Extended Detection Window in Vermilion, IL
Hair follicle tests offer the distinctive ability to trace drug use over an extended duration of up to 90 days. This long detection window provides employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history, assisting them in making informed decisions about potential and current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vermilion, IL
Hair follicle tests offer a significant reduction in the risk of sample tampering compared to other testing methods. The integrity and security of the sample are maintained, providing reliable results that are beyond dispute. This ensures that employers can trust the authenticity of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Vermilion, IL
Our testing centers, conveniently located nationwide, make accessing drug testing services a hassle-free experience. With easy accessibility and excellent services, companies and individuals in Vermilion, IL can quickly undergo the necessary tests without any inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Vermilion, IL
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results of hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. Concerns about privacy are addressed, making the entire procedure user-friendly while safeguarding personal information throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vermilion, IL
We offer competitive pricing structures alongside rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests. This delivers an exceptional value proposition while ensuring peace of mind for businesses of varying sizes. Our services are designed to cater to your testing needs efficiently and economically.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Vermilion, IL
Hair follicle drug tests provide the precision and speed needed for accurate detection of substance use. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy rates, ensuring that any substance use is detected effectively. In addition, the results of hair tests are generated quickly, making them an appealing choice for those who need swift and dependable testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vermilion, IL
Employing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to the strictest workplace drug-free policies. This not only aids in minimizing any legal concerns but also boosts overall workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind knowing their environment is secure and compliant.